Joel M Bradshaw

14Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?–2 Corinthians 6

Here is a stock photo I found of an ancient yoke for oxen. To be unequally yoked was to put two oxen together that were so different that they would not pull the plow or cart in a favorable way. One would be bigger, stronger, or younger than the other. One would maintain a speed the other could not. Unequal yoking produced crooked plow furrow lines and frustration for the farmer.

Preachers usually apply this image to dating or marriage. Paul applied it to the church. He made it sound like you wouldn’t put Jesus on one side of the yoke and Satan on the other and expect good results. I honestly don’t know what that looks like in your life, but I have an idea.

I am writing the word COMPROMISE. What comes to mind right now in your life reading that word. What area of your life do you compromise in pursuit of something that is not faithfulness to Jesus? It could be a romantic relationship, it could be your friendships or you at work.

To be unequally yoked it to intentionally compromise something that should not be. As a Christian we are encouraged by our society to be compassionate in a way that compromises our convictions. Does that describe you? I know at one point it described me. I have to stay diligent and intentional daily on this. Compassion is great for relationships. So is compromise regarding disagreements. But of convictions? That’s an unequal yoke. Two people with drastically different conditions will never pull that plow in a straight line!

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, with emphasis)

This second yoke pictures on one side an ox that is restless and burdened. On the other side is gentle Jesus. It actually is also an unequal yoking, but we are taking Jesus’ yoke upon us. By that Jesus meant to journey with him. Rabbis in His day used that image to describe their teachings. You could imagine wise, impressive Rabbis burdening their disciples with principles and practices that made life heavier for them. Submitting to Jesus and following Him brings rest for our souls. The burden is light and the yoke is easy.

You have two yokes. One calls you to compromise and be burdened. The other invites you to submit to Jesus and find rest. Who is on the other side of that yoke from you? Will God the ‘farmer’ be pleased with the plowing of his field you are doing as an ‘oxen team?’ –JMB